Discovering your car on fire is generally a traumatic event. Despite the shock, it will be necessary to react quickly to avoid complications and refusals of compensation. The owner’s responsiveness is also decisive when faced with a fire in progress. In this case, the motorist will have to limit the spread of the fire and collect the proof required to be compensated by the insurer or the State.
React promptly: Safety and first steps with insurance
The question of insurance necessarily arises when a driver finds his car burned. However, it is above all important to think about safety measures in the event of a fire, riot or even an act of vandalism. The insured will thus be able to reduce the extent of the damage and alleviate the associated procedures.
Emergency measures: Evacuation and securing the perimeter
If the car is still burning, the first reflex to adopt is to evacuate and secure the perimeter. Fire risks causing secondary physical and material damage without adequate measures. In this way, the owner will be able to protect himself from the consequences of the fire on passers-by and the neighborhood.
These emergency measures are common sense. That said, they are sometimes neglected due to the panic or dismay of the motorist. However, the owner of the vehicle is supposed to limit the damage while waiting for help. In the event of inaction, the insured may not even be compensated, if it is an exclusion clause in the contract.
Initial contact with insurance: Crucial information to communicate
After the fire, the driver has five working days to report the incident to his insurance company. This formality is essential, including for policyholders not covered by fire guarantee. Indeed, the declaration already makes it possible to initiate the termination of the insurance, if the car has been completely destroyed.
During this process, the motorist must provide their customer data to be identified by the insurer. It is also important to report your situation regarding bonus-malus for a young driver. The insured must also indicate the context and the supposed or proven causes of the fire (theft followed by an act of vandalism, riot, lightning, etc.).
Compliance with legal obligations after a vehicle fire
In the event of a criminal act, a car fire must be reported immediately to the competent authorities. This procedure will allow the perpetrator of the offense to be identified and penalized. In addition, it is essential to receive compensation from the insurer or the State, which is primarily responsible for public safety.
Reporting the incident to authorities
To report the fire and file a complaint, the vehicle owner must go to the nearest gendarmerie or police station. He thus proves his good faith with the administration and the insurer, as a victim of a loss caused by a third party. This approach is also necessary to take stock of a one-off event such as a riot.
Necessary documentation: Collection of evidence and testimonies
Filing a complaint most often requires photos as proof of the facts and the severity of the damage. It is also useful to attach testimonials and illustrations to the file. In short, the motorist must provide:
- The civil status and contact details of the complainant as well as witnesses;
- The date and location of the fire;
- A detailed description of the facts;
- The name of the alleged arsonist.
In the event of a riot, the driver may file a complaint against X. The State will then ensure that the perpetrator of the offense is apprehended and punished.
Insurance Claim Process: Next Steps
The insurance claim procedures will fundamentally depend on the motorist’s contract. If the insured has taken out fire guarantee, he will simply have to declare the loss and set aside the exclusion clauses to receive compensation. On the other hand, it will be necessary to request more complex systems for uncovered cars.
Preparing for Claim Submission
If the vehicle has fire coverage, simply report the incident to the insurer within five days of the event. The motorist must also send the insurance company a copy of the complaint filed with the authorities. He may then be compensated according to the assessment of the damage by the insurer’s expert or the claim resulting from his second opinion.
Anticipate challenges: Deadlines, communication and negotiation
It is often difficult toinsure your car when you are a student. Consequently, young drivers tend to limit themselves to the mandatory minimum, namely civil liability coverage. This contract is also called third-party insurance. However, it does not cover arson. In the absence of insurance, it is nevertheless possible to contact the CIVI (compensation commission for crime victims) for acts of vandalism or the administrative judge for riots.
